The Shift to Back Sleeping

Medical advice on infant sleep positions underwent a significant shift in the early 1990s, with a widespread campaign advocating for babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Parents were previously encouraged to place infants on their stomachs or sides, as these positions were believed to prevent choking and promote comfort. However, the introduction of back sleeping protocols raised concerns among caregivers about potential adverse effects on infants' development and sleep quality. Anecdotal experiences from parents highlighted issues like poorer sleep for babies placed on their backs, coupled with doubts about the overall effectiveness of back sleeping in preventing SIDS.